A NEW laser tag centre has opened in the heart of one of Bradford’s oldest mills.

Husband and wife team John and Jemma Bates used the lockdown period to build on their existing go-kart business at the iconic Black Dyke Mills, Queensbury, to create the new attraction. 

Now Covid-19 restrictions are easing, the couple are hoping the business will be a hit.
They opened Hoverkart Mania back in November 2019, but cold water was poured on what should have been an exciting first year because of the first lockdown and then local restrictions which also had an impact.

John said: “Obviously we were disappointed to shut after only being open for a few months - we just started building some steady business, getting quite a lot of return customers.

“The local restrictions affected us, like a lot of businesses.”

But, it was during this period that John decided to build Laser Mania which he describes as a “modern take” on laser tag, in a Call of Duty style arena, promising adrenaline-pumping, action-packed fun.

“I definitely think we are unique in Yorkshire - we aim to offer affordable fun for all the family and a great day out,” he said.

“I wanted to have a modern take on it, bring it right up-to-date.”

It officially opened its doors the week of the Government’s step three easing out of lockdown restrictions, which was a major step forward for a lot of businesses which had been closed for many months. 

John said: “Footfall seems to have been pretty good so far, hopefully we are going to be successful - hopefully we’ll have a good summer.”

He said a “massive effort” had been put in, with Laser Mania aimed at children aged six and above, so all the family can take part and enjoy a game. Participants use infrared-emitting light guns to tag designated targets on their opponents.

Each session is one-hour long and includes a full safety briefing in a specially-designed Chinook helicopter. Participants are kitted out with their equipment and laser gun, before going into battle.

For the half-term, it will be half-price at £6 per person for an hour. 
Black Dyke Mills, the historic building home to Hoverkart Mania and Laser Mania, was built in 1835, by Bradford textile manufacturer John Foster, on the site of a farmstead owned by his wife’s family. 

The mills were described as “world-renowned” in a 1923 edition of The Wool Record and Textile World, which also claimed that at one point, it had around 1,400 workers.
Visit www.lasertagmania.co.uk.